PS 635 
.Z9 
B8174 
Copy 1 



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PRIOB 

25 CENTS 




PLAYS EXCIiAi^GnD 



IS-MiVsm &COMPAN I 
PUBLISHERS CHICAGO 



^DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Succesafuland Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Freo. 



DRAMAS, COMEDIES, 
ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. 

M. F. 

Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 

acts, 2J4 hrs ....(35c) 8 8 

Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 arts. 

2 hrs (35c) 15 

After the Game, 2 acts, 1% 

hrs (25c) 1 ? 

All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(35c) 4 4 

All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (35c) 6 10 

And Home Came Ted, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (50c) 6 6 

Arizona Cowboy, 4 acts, 2]/i 

hrs (35c) 7 5 

Assisted by Sadie, 4 acts, 25^ 

hrs (50c) 6 6 

As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts., 

2^ hrs (35c) 9 7 

At the End of the Rainbow, 3 

acts, 2^ -hrs (35c) 6 14 

Black Heiferi 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) 9 3 

Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, IH hrs. 

(25c) 17. 

Boy Scouts' Good Turn, 3 acts, 

IH hrs (25c) 16 2 

Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2J4 

hrs (25c) 7 3 

Brother Tosiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(25c) ^ 7 4 

Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2]4 h. (25c) 7 4 
Call of the Colors, 2 acts, IVz 

hrs (25c) 4 10 

Call of Wohelo, 3 acts, 1^ 

hrs (25c) 10 

Camouflage of Shirley, 3 acts, 

254 hrs (35c) 8 10 

Civil Service, 3 acts, 2^^ hrs. 

(35c) 6 5 

College Town, 3 acts, 2% 

hrs. - (35c) 9 8 

Deacon Dubhs, 3 acts, 2^^ hrs. 

(35c) 5 5 

Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. 

(35c) 6 4 

Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2V$ 

hrs (2Sc) 8 4 

Dream That Came True, 3 

acts, 2J4 hrs (35c) 6 13 

Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 
Enchanted Wood, 1^4 h (35c).Optnl. 
Everyyouth, 3 acts, l'/4 h. (25c) 7 6 
Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 4 4 

For the Love of Johnny, 3 

acts, 2'A hrs (50c) 6 3 

Fun on the Podunk Limited, 

1% hrs (30c) 9 14 

Gettin' Acquainted, 25 min. 

(35c) 1 2 

Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (35c) 3 5 



M. F 

High School Freshman, 3 acts, 

2 hrs ^5c)12 

Indian Days, 1 hr (50c) 5 2 

In Plum Valley. 4 acts, 2^ 

hrs (25c) 6 4 

JayviUe Junction, 1% hrs. (25c) 14 17 
Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (35c)10 9 

Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 

acts, 2J4 hrs (35c) 6 12 

Laughing Cure, 2 acts, IH hrs. 

(3Scl 4 5 

Lighthouse Nan, 3 acts, 2J4 

hrs (35c) 5 4 

Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. 

(25c) 7 4 

Little Clodhopper, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (35c) 3 4 

Mirandy's Minstrels (30c) Optnl. 

Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 

acts, 2^A hrs (35c) 4 7 

My Irish Rose, 3 arts, 2j4 hrs. 

(35c) 6 6 

Old Maid's Club, iVz hrs. (30c) 2 16 
Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 

hrs (25c) 8 6 

Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 

ly^ hrs (30c) 12 9 

On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 

21/2 hrs (25c) 10 4 

Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (35c) 4 4 

Prairie Rose. 4 acts, 21/2 h.(35c) 7 4 
Real Thing After All, 3 acts, 

2^ hrs (35c) 7 9 

Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2>4 

hrs (35c) 10 12 

Ruth in a Rush, 3 acts, 2% 

hrs (35c) 5 7 

Safety First, 3 acts, ,,^ ^ ^ ^ 

2y4. hrs (35c) 5 5 

Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 

hrs (30c) 7 

Spark of Life, 3 acts, 

2 hrs (2Sc) 4 4 

Spell of the Image, 3 acts, 2i/$ 

hrs ....(35c)10 10 

Star Bright, 3 acts, 2^ h. (35c) 6 5 
Those Dreadful Twins. 3 acts, 

2 hrs (25c) 6 4 

Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2i/$ 

hrs (35c) 9 16 

Tony, the Convict, 5 a^ts, 2y$ 

hrs (25c) 7 4 

Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2J4 hrs. 

(35c) 6 18 

Trip to Storyland, 1% hrs.(25c)17 23 
Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2 J4 hrs. (25c) 8 3 
Under Blue Skies, 4 acts. 2 

hrs (35c) 7 10 

When Smith Stepped Out, 3 

acts, 2 hrs (50c) 4 4 

Whose Little Bride Are You? 

3 acts, 2^4 hrs (50c) 5 5 

Winning Widow, 2 acts, VA hrs. 

(25c) 2 4 



T. S. D EN I SO N & CO M PAN Y, Publishers 623 S . Wabash Ave . , Chicago 



A DARK SECRET 

A COLORED FARCE OF MYSTERY 



BY 

JEFF BRANEN 

AUTHOR OF 

The Battle of Roaring Bidl," "The Coon at the Door," "An Irish 
Alibi," "An Irish Stew," "Hoiv to Stage a Minstrel 
Shozv." "Denison's Minstrel Opening 
Choruses and Finales," Etc. 




CHICAGO 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY 

Publishers 



nk 



A DARK SECRET, <.i ^ 

CHARACTERS. ^ ^<^^ 
Stonewall Johnson A Colored 

Baggage Hustler and a Self -Appointed Detective 

Jefferson Doolittle 

Stonewall's Black Assistant and Chief Adviser 

AuBRAY Henshaw A Character Actor 

Anthony Ketchem A Pinkerton Man 

Madeline La Blanc A Female Drummer 

Time — Between Three and Four, Any Afternoon, 

Place — A Baggage Room. 

Time of Playing — About Thirty Minutes. . 

PROPERTIES. 

Two large trunks, identical in make and color. 

Miscellaneous bits of baggage. 

Shakespearean wig in trunk Number One. 

Artificial arm or leg in trunk Number Two. 

Work table. 

Telephone on work table. 

Two chairs. .-. * 

Maps and charts on walls. ^,.-"- ' 

Notice.— Production of this play is free to amateurs, but the 
sole professional rights are reserved by the Publishers. 

copyright, 1921, BY T. S. DENISON & COMPANY. 

OCT lU lb VI 
©CI.D 59ni'4 



A DARK SECRET 3 

^ CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES. 

-^ Stonewall — Pompous, autocratic black-face, short and 
stocky, in striking contrast with Jefferson. Rather well 
dressed for a baggage hustler. Wears a concealed star. 

Jefferson — "Hick" black-face, tall and awkward. Loose 
fitting coat and baggy trousers. A weather-beaten straw hat 
or a crushed, faded, flat-top, narrow-brim derby or a shabby 
cap. Shoes several sizes too large and flat-footed ; un- 
polished. 

Henshaw — Tall romantic man about thirty-five, deep- 
voiced to depict the legitimate thespian, dressed according 
to the times yet somewhat exaggerated to denote the ego 
of his profession. 

Ketchem — A sturdy looking man with short cropped 
moustache, dressed neatly but somewhat subdued to con- 
ceal his profession. His general appearance is in keeping 
with the times. 

Madeline — A portly woman of about thirty, dressed in 
tailor-made suit to give her an independent appearance. 



SCENE PLOT. 



STREET , BACKING 

■\ Door f- 



/ — 7^ 7, uoor \ 

/ Boxes ' a ° D D BenchrA 

" / Valises, Etc. a Trunks, □ Telephoned 

■-*- Crates, Bags, Etc. -i- 

Door Door 

/ I I Trunk I [ Trunk \ 
/ 'no.2 ' 'no. 1 \ 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

R. means right of stage; C, center; R.C., right center; 
L., left ; I E., first entrance ; U. E., upper entrance ; R. 5 E., 
right entrance, up stage, etc. ; up stage, away from foot- 
lights ; down stage, near footlights. The actor is supposed 
to be facing the audience. 



A DARK SECRET 



Scene: A baggage room in a raihuay station on the New 
York, Nezv Haven & Hartford Railroad. Practical doors at 
R. and L. entrance. View of street through C. entrance. 
Charts and maps decorate the walls. Pieces of baggage, 
such, as bundles, boxes, crates, valises and trunks, are 
scattered here and there. Tzvo large trunks. Number One 
left, close to footlights, and Numbe^r Two, right, close to 
footlights. Trunks Number One and Tzvo are to be identical 
in make and color. 

As curtaiji goes up, Stonewall is seen sitting on large 
trunk, left. Number One, and Jefferson on large trunk, 
right. Number Tz^'o. Their faces are hidden beJiind nezvs pa- 
pers zvJiich each is apparently reading. This piece of busi- 
ness must be reasonably zvell timed. 

Jefferson {lozvering paper and addressing Stonewall). 
Don't yoh think yoh makin' a mistake? 

Stonewall {lozvering his paper and answering zvithout 
looking at Jefferson). I never make no mistake. {Turn- 
ing over a page and continuing to glance about for nezvs.) 

Jefferson (turning over a page of his paper as if under 
the influence of the other, glances here and there for nezvs, 
finally lays paper aside and again addresses Stonewall). 
Yoh talkin' but yoh ain't said nothin'. Ev'ybody make mis- 
takes sometimes, some of us all de time. Shiffin' dese here 
trunks 'round beats workin' in a liv'ry stable. Yoh better 
hang on to dis here job till yoh get somethin' better — 

Stonewall (eyes still centered on paper). I'm th'ough, 
I tell yoh. {Lifting his head and giz'ing Jefferson a for- 
bidding look. Eyes turn back to paper.) When I means 
a thing I says it. 

Jefferson. What yoh all gwin' to do?- 

Stonewall {laying aside paper carelessly and turning 
attention to Jefferson). Make a reputation fob maself. 

4 



A DARK SECRET 5 

See this? {Throzving hack the lapel of his coat, exposing 
an officer's gold imitation star.) 

Jefferson. Where yoh all get dat star? 

Stonewall {^forbiddingly). S — s! {Looks around 
baggage room as if to assure himself that no one is listen- 
ing. Jefferson betrays nervousness. Turns again to Jef- 
ferson.) S — h! 

Jefferson. Hush yoh face wid dat s — h business ! I don't 
like it — makes me nervous. 

Stonewall {drarcving a document from his pocket). 
D'yoh see dis? (Slaps the document in one hand effec- 
tively.) Dis am my credentials. 

Jefferson. Whatever dat means. 

Stonewall. I am resigning mah position here in dis 
baggage room to become a detective — secret service man 
perhaps. 

Jefferson (sliding doivn off trunk and betraying a little 
uneasiness). Let me tell you all, Stonewall Johnson. I 
have no pa'ticular desire to associate wid police men, de- 
tectives or secret service men. Yoh and I have been friends 
fob a long time, but jest as quick as yoh go aroun' inter- 
ferin' wid de pussonal liberties of anybody, den's when our 
friendship ceases. 

Stonewall. I feel very, very sorry fob yoh, Jefferson 
Doolittle— 

Jefferson. 'Cou'se yoh duz ! Why wouldn't yoh? Takin' 
advantage of mah friendship when yoh knows dat I knows 
dat yoh knows de exact location of ev'y dog-gone chicken- 
coop ill dis part of de country. 

Stonewall. Oh, Jeft'erson, I shall not disturb thy me- 
anderings. I'm no petty officer — besides, chicken stealin' 
is not a crime. (Jefferson^ somezvhat reconciled, sits back 
on trunk.) 

Jefferson. I always treated it as such — took plenty of 
precaution — 

Stonewall. No, Doolittle — jest a black man's recreation. 

Jefferson. Dat certainly am music to mah ears. By 



6 A DARK SECRET 

de way, Stonewall, how yoh all come by dat star? Didn't 
steal it from somebody, did yoh ? 

Stonewall. Doolittle — neveh use de word ''ftear again 
in mah presence. I detest it. It's beneath mah dignity. If 
yoh insist on discussing crimes worthy of my degree of 
proficiency — let it be murder. 

Jefferson {springing dozvn from trunk and hatting 
eyes). Stonewall, yoh ain't got no moh sense dan a rabbit. 

Stonewall {again drawing doeitment from inside eoat 
poeket and slapping it in palm of hand). I wouldn't insult 
mah alma mater by connecting mahseff wid a criminal case 
dat was any way short of murder or high treason. 

Jefferson. Let me take a look at dat piece of paper 
yoh all boastin' about so much. {Reaching for the docu- 
ment zvhich Stonewall relinquishes a little reluctantly.) 

Stonewall. Be mighty careful how yoh handle dat! 

Jefferson {perusing document zvith considerable inter- 
est. Reading aloud). Seekum & Soakum's Correspon- 
dence School of Crime and Crim — what am dat word, 
Stonewall ? 

Stonewall. Criminology ! 

Jefferson. Correspondence school of crimes and crim- 
inology — what dat word mean, Stonewall? 

Stonewall. Do unto others as thou wouldst not have 
deni do unto yoh. 

Jefferson. An' what yoh all cSll dis here ? {Referring 
to the document.) 

Stonewall. Mah diploma. 

Jefferson. Yoh all tryin' to tell me yoh graduated from 
dis here institution? 

Stonewall. Not tryin', merely insinuatin'. 

Jefferson. What sote of school is a School of Cor- 
respondence ? 

Stonewall. Dat am a school what take money fob 
axin' questions yoh can't answer and grantin' a license fob 
you to practice yoh profession anywhere but where yoh hap- 
pen to be. 

Jefferson. Is it expensive? 



A DARK SECRET 7 

Stonewall. Oh, very ! 

Jefferson. How much? 

Stonewall. Six bits to matriculate — dollar ninety-eight 
for de regular course — dollar fohty-nine foh de post-grad- 
uate — two bits foh de diploma and ten dollars and seventy- 
five foh de star, including wah tax. De star am gold 
plated, yoh know. 

Jefferson. It sure do cost money nowadays to educate 
yohseff. (Sighs.) Does it take long to complete dis course? 

Stonewall. Very long. 

Jefferson. Wish I had de money and could spare de 
time. 

Stonewall. Oh, Jefferson, it's entirely out of de ques- 
tion — yoh could never endure it. Fohteen days am moh 
dan most people can stand in college — besides,. I can teach 
yoh all I know in ten minutes. 

Jefferson. Can yoh? 

Stonewall. I shore can. 

Jefferson. I's yoh man. I'm right here to listen to 
what yoh all got to say, providin' I get one of dem stars 
when yoh get through. 

Stonewall. Doolittle, yoh get moh dan dat. Yoh get 
yoh name coupled wid mine — Johnson & Doolittle's Detec- 
tive Agency — experts in finger-prints, reprints and im- 
prints. 

Jefferson (jumping down, laughing and handing back 
diploma to Stonewall). Wow! Some firm name! 
(Laughs heartily.) Go on wid yoh instruction — I sure am 
listenin'. 

Stonewall. To wear dis star and to become a member 
of mah firm yoh got to do zactly what I tell yoh. First, 
yoh must go out and most cunningly commit a murder. 
Take yoh time. Don't murder de fust person yoh see ! 
Find yoh man, den find a dark spot where nobody sees 
yoh. (Jefferson displays nervousness.) After yoh dis- 
pose of de remains yoh den start covering up yoh tracks — 
makin' yoh git-away. At last when yoh all feel safe and 
secure beyond de far reachin' arm of de law, yoh den 



8 A DARK SECRET 

turn detective and yoh start right in to unravel de murder 
yoh yohseft' committed. Yoh begin right at d^ beginnin', 
first by takin' yoh own finger-prints, and yoh follow de 
tangled threads of disconnected circumstances until yoh 
have landed yohsefif behind de bars — until yoh have 
had yohsefif tried and convicted of murder in de first de- 
gree — until yoh have had yohsefif sentenced to death. 
When at last yoh have been properly executed either by 
hanging or electrocution, yoh pay me de two bits foh de 
diploma and de ten seventy-five foh de star and yoh are 
sure eligible to become a full fledge member of mah firm. 

Jefferson. De firm am dissolved befoh its orginiza- 
tion. (Leaning back on the trunk and again picking up the 
paper and glancing through the contents.) 

Stonewall. Meaning by dat ? 

Jefferson. Dat I don't intend to arrest myself and have 
myself convicted of murder in de first degree, executed 
either by hanging or electrocution jest to become a mem- 
ber of de firm of Johnson & Doolittle's Detective Agency. 
(Looks sharply into paper.) If yoh lookin' foh business, 
here's a murder foh yoh to unravel. (Reads.) Rosa Ra- 
coola, wife of Tony Racoola, an Italian fruit vender, found 
brutally murdered in de basement of her tenement home 
in de Italian quarters. Antonio Slavato, a boarder in de 
Racoola house, is supposed to — 

Stonewall. What's de matter wid yoh? Where yoh 
all get dat stufif? Tony Racoola, de husband of dat woman, 
was found guilty and executed over two years ago — what's 
de date of dat paper? 

Jefferson (turning to front pa^e and reading). Sept. 
24th, 1914. 

Stonewall. Yoh sure am one fool niggah. 

Jefferson. Where I get dis, anyhow? (Examines pa- 
per and reflects.) Oh, now I know. My mother-in-law 
sent it to my wife from Taladega, Alabama, last week. It 
was wrapped around a package of persimmons — 

Stonewall. De next issue, I suppose, will come out 
a couple of years from now. 



A DARK SECRET 9 

Jefferson. Oh, I got de very latest issue of a New 
York paper here in my pocket — jest came in on dat last 
train. {Laying aside the first paper, he pulls out the 
second one and starts to glance over it.) 
.. Stonewall. What sayeth de headlines, Doolittle? 

Jefferson {turning over the pages). Wait till I take a 
look at Mutt and Jeff. 

Stonewall. Is dat how yoh all get yoh information — 
from de pictures? 

Jefferson {laughing heartily). Dis sure am funny, 
Stonewall. Jeff's dawg has a large ham-bone in his mouf. 
He is lookin' down into de water — growlin' an' barkin' at 
his shadow. He thinks it's another dawg — 

Stonewall. Doolittle, yoh crazy. How can a dawg 
wid a large ham-bone in his mouf growl and bark at his- 
self? 

Jefferson {.closing paper and looking puzzled at Stone- 
wall). Couldn't very well, could he? 

Stonewall. Course he couldn't ! 

Jeffersok. But he does it in de picture. 

Stonewall. Did yoh all see his jaws move? 

Jefferson. I could almost swear I did. 

Stonewall. 'Twas de paper what moved. {Looks 
sharply at paper in Jefferson's hand.) I axed yoh — what 
does dat great big red headline say? 

Jefferson {looking at front page. WitJi a start Jeffer- 
son springs to his feet.) Here's yoh chance, Stonewall, to 
make our reputation. {Reads.) Another trunk mystery 
baffles the New York police. A young woman, a stranger 
in the city, mysteriously disappears from her place of resi- 
dence, 1376 Amsterdam Avenue, where she has resided 
for the past two weeks. Bloodstains were found in her 
room and a large trunk {here describe trunk to correspond 
zvith the tzvo upon zvhich Stonewall and Jefferson sit) 
supposed to contain her mutilated body was taken by an 
expressman from her apartment to the Grand Central 
Depot about seven o'clock last evening. About ten o'clock 
last night a man {here describe Henshaw) called at the 



10 A DARK SECRET 

baggage window and had the trunk checked out on his 
ticket either to Boston or some intermediate Station on 
the New York, New Haven & Hartford. (Stonewall 
slips from the trunk upon which he lias been sitting an3 
shivers as lie eyes it suspiciously.) Such a man has been 
seen in the company of the young woman for at least a 
week previous to her disappearance. A reward of $5,000 
has been offered by the District Attorney's office for the ar- 
rest and conviction of the murderer; if in fact, a murder has 
really been committed. {Slozi'ly it begins to dawn upon 
Jeffersox as he drops paper and eyes Stonewall, that 
one of the tn'o trunks upon zcliich they have been sitting) 
is the trunk in question. He, too, grows extremely nerz'ous. 
Together they both tiptoe about the trunk Number One — to 
left — dropping on their hands and knees to eye the lock and 
search for bloodstains. Jefferson reaches out timidly to 
feel the lock — ) 

Stonewall. Doolittle! (Jefferson falls hack but 
quickly scrambles to his feet.) 

Jefferson. Don't do dat ! I'm nervous. 

Stonewall. Open it, DooHttle ! 

Jefferson {stepping to a safe distance). Open it yo- 
seff. Yoh am de law man. 

Stonewall. Yoh am a member of de firm of Johnson 
& Doolittle, ain't yoh? 

Jefferson. Noh-sir ! There never was, never is or 
there's never goin' to be such a detective firm — {batting eyes 
and viezving trunk.) 

Stonewall. {With considerable bravado as he strikes 
attitude.) Dat am de trunk in question. I tell yoh, Doo- 
little, de five thousand dollars am as good as in my pocket — 

Jefferson. Fat chance of me spendin' any of it if it's 
in yoh pocket. 

Stonewall. Our reputation am made. 

Jefferson. Never mind 'bout our reputation. I don't 
care a dog-gone 'bout reputation. Wouldn't know what to 
do with one if I had it. (Jefferson observes Stonewall 
eyeing trunk N timber Tzvo and comparing it zvith Number 



A DARK SECRET 11 

One by transfer of glances.) What de matter wid yoh all? 
Can't yoh keep yoh suspicions to yohseff? 

Stonewall. Just to think — a dead woman in one of dem 
trunks. Who knows but dat there may be one in each 
of dem? 

Jefferson. Go on — stop yoh foolishness ! I tell yoh 
I'm nervous. 

Stonewall. Why should yoh be nervous? (Betraying 
nervousness Iiiniself.) Dead people won't hurt yoh. 

Jefferson. No — but dey make yoh hurt yohsefif. 

Stonewall. Yoh sure am one crazy niggah. 

Jefferson. I may be crazy, but I ain't no fool. Detec- 
tive — secret service — who wants to be a detective? 

Stonewall. Think of de five thousand dollars yoh liable 
to lose. 

Jefferson. Five thousand dollars ! Ain't no such money 
in de world. 'Sides, who's liable to lose somethin' dey ain't 
never had? Yoh talk about me being crazy — (Stonewall 
still eyes trunk Number Tzco). 

Stonewall. Wouldn't surprise me if one-half of her 
was in dat trunk and de other in dis. 

Jefferson. There yoh go, stretchin' yoh imagination. 

Stonewall. Den again she may all be in dat one. 
(Pointing to Number Two.) 

Jefferson. What difference does it make to de lady 
which trunk she's in ? 

Stonewall. Jefferson, yoh stupidity amazes me. When 
de murder man comes to claim his trunk, how can we claim 
de reward if de body happens to be in de other trunk? 

Jefferson. Dat's a little deep. Jest repeat dat again. 

Stonewall. I say, when de murder man comes to claim 
his trunk — 

AuBRAY Henshaw enters, center. Both Jefferson and 
Stonewall see him as he advances, apparently a little 
nervous. 

Stonewall. Dat's him ! Dat's him ! 

Jefferson. Sure, dat's him. Yoh take care of him — 
I'm goin'. (Starts to exit center.) 



12 A DARK SECRET 

Henshaw {confronting Jefferson.) I'm after my trunk. 

Jefferson. Oh, yes — we all been expectin' foh. (Hen- 
shaw displays claim check.) Give it to him— he'll take care 
of yoh. 

Henshaw {turning to Stonewall zvitJi claim check). 
Come, I'm in a hurry. 

Stonewall. Come back here and wait on dis man, Doo- 
little ! He says he's in a hurry. 

Jefferson. I'll jess stand here and watch yoh wait on 
him, Stonewall. 

Henshaw. I have no time to listen to your argument 
as to who shall serve me. 

Doolittle. Yoh all goin' to hear a whole lot of argu- 
ments befoh yoh die {coming forzvard and pointing to trunk 
Number One). Dhere's what yoh after. 

Henshaw {going to trunk indicated). No, I'm not after 
it — just want to get something out of it. {Drazvs keys from 
pocket and starts to open the trunk. Stonewall and Jef- 
ferson scramble for positions to look into trunk as lid is 
lifted. Henshaw suddenly turns and catches them in the 
act. They scramble to their feet and try to assume an 
indifferent attitude. Henshaw again turns to his trunk and 
Stonewall and Jefferson again fall to their hands and 
knees to peek under the lid as it is lifted. Stonewall is in 
a position to see, but Jefferson is obstructed by Henshaw. 
TJie lid is lifted and ivith a shriek Stonewall springs to his 
feet. Henshaw slams back the lid, locks the trunk and 
turns savagely upon the tzco.) What's eating you two idiots ? 

Stonewall. Doolittle, do yoh duty! (Jefferson is 
ready for the arrest.) Under de name of de commonwealth 
of dis here state yoh may consider yohsefif under arrest ! 
{flashing star.) 

Jefferson. Yes, boss, consider yohsefif our prisoner. 

Hensptaw. Arrest? For what? 

Stonewall and Jefferson (/;/ unison). Murder! 

Henshaw. Murder? You're crazy. 

Stonewall. Dat what dey all say when dey get caught 
in de act. Come on, Jefiferson. (They pounce upon Hen- 



A DARK SECRET 13 

SHAW and haul and drag lilni to left door, push Jiim through 
and lock the door. Henshaw puts up a terrible hozvl — 
protesting vigorously and pounding door to get out.) Go 
on — ^^holler yoh fool head off ! 

Henshaw {ojf stage). Let nie out, I say — let me out. 

Jefferson {as he and Stonewall come panting to cen- 
ter). Did yoh see her? 

Stonewall. Did I ? There was de top of her poor head 
sticking up. (Jefferson trembles from head to foot.) 

Jefferson. I'm goin'. {Starting up stage.) 

Stonewall. Doolittle, come back here. Not with five 
thousand dollars reward is yoh all gwin' away from here — 

Jefferson {coming back all smiles). Lah, man, I almost 
fohgot de reward. 

Stonewall {going to telephone and picking it up). De 
firm of Johnson & Doolittle am gwin' to do some business 
from now on. Give me long distance, please. 

Jefferson. Work long time at dis here job befbh we 
make five thousand good semolians. 

Stonewall. Five thousand years. (Henshaw pounds 
on door and hollers to get out.) Long distance, please. 
Dis long distance? Give me de district attorney's office, 
New York * * * t cain't tell yoh all de number * * * 
Norwalk 2306 * * * Stonewall Johnson * * * ^11 
right, Miss * * * {Hangs up receiver. Henshaw 
pounds and Jefferson is curious to knozv zvho Stonewall 
is calling.) 

Jefferson. Yoh git yoh party? (Stonewall is eyeing 
the other trunk and Henshaw still pounds.) Ah, shut up 
dat noise. {To StonewAll.) Yoh git yoh party, I axed. 
{Telephone rings.) 

Stonewall {hurrying to telephone and picking up the 
receiver). Hello. This is yoh man. Stonewall Johnson 

* * * Yoh trunk mystery is splved * * * Yassir 

* * * Got de man under lock and key and got de trunk 
and body right here in mah possession. * * * Double 
murder! {Receiver falls from hand and lie grapples zvith 
it and slams it to ear.) 'Nother trunk mystery? We got 



14 A DARK SECRET 

dat trunk, too. What's my name? Stonewall Johnson, 
detective and secret service agency, Norwalk, Gonf^ecticut. 

Jefferson. Say, Stonewall, ain't yoh forgettin' some- 
body? 

Stonewall. Never heard of such a man? Well, yoh 
goin' to hear more about him * * * ^11 I want from 
yoh am de five thousand dollars reward in each case * * * 
I don't care nothin' 'bout no Pinkerton man * * ^h j g^^ 
one and I'll have de other before yoh Pinkerton shows up 
■!= * * I claim de reward fob both, and when I gets it 
yoh can have yoh prisoners and yoh trunks. * * * 
Good-bye. (Hangs up and comes to center, Jefferson 
studying him.) 

Jefferson. So de firm name am no longer Johnson & 
Doolittle. 

Stonewall. Yoh lack de proper credentials. When yoh 
have complied wid de necessary fulfillments of de law, den 
yoh can become a member of my agency. 

Jefferson. And we don't split de five thousand? 

Stonewall. No, Jefiferson — nor do we split de ten 
thousand dat comes when ive land de owner of dat trunk 
(pointing to Number Tzvo). Dat also am, according to de 
•state's attorney's office, wanted at headquarters for de 
mystery surrounding it. (Jefferson becomes frightened.) 

Jefferson. Now, here's where I do go. (Starting for 
center exit to be confronted by Madeline La Blanc, a 
masculine looking ivoman attired in tailor-made costume.) 

Madeline enters boldly. Jefferson retreats before her 
as she comes down center. 

Madeline. Which of these is mine? 

Stonewall. Ask him — he knows. (Pointing to Jef- 
ferson.) 

Madeline (turning to Jefferson). I merely want to 
get something out of it. 

Jefferson (pointing to Number Tzvo). I reckon dis one 
here is what yoh all after. 

Madeline (commanding Jefferson, who appears frigJit- 



A DARK SECRET IS 

ened). Take hold of it and swing it around to the hght 
so I can see ! 

Jefferson {^t'ery much excited). Oh, lady — lady — dat am 
very much against de orders of de freight-handlers' union — 
yoh will have to handle yoh trunk yohseff. {Both Jefferson 
and Stonewall.s hi ft to positions of advantage as Madeline, 
after giving Jefferson a terrible look, grabs trunk and 
jerks it around ivhere she can have a better view of same. 
They look at each other, ainaced, and betray great nervous- 
ness as she starts fumbling zvith keys and fooling with lock 
of trunk. Both get down on one knee to be in a position 
to see. Madeline turns abruptly upon tJieni.) 

Madeline. What's the matter with you fellows? Feet 
itchy ? 

Jefferson. His am — hut mine, jess a little cold, dat's all. 

Madeline (turning her attention again to trunk, she 
fumbles with lock. Both Jefferson and Stonewall are 
on their knees, and as Madeline lifts lid of trunk both 
spring to their feet, Jefferson zvith a shriek. Madeline 
slams d§wn lid of trunk and turns upon them.) I refuse 
to tolerate such impertinence — I shall report you to your 
company ! 

Stonewall. Clam yohseff, lady — clam yohsefif — 

Jefferson. Yes, lady — jes' give de man time to place 
yoh under arrest. {Heavy pounding upon door by Hen- 
shaw. Madeline looks sharply at door, then first at 
Stonewall, then Jefferson.) 

Stonewall. Yes, lady — we all want to arrest yoh — 

Madeline. Arrest? What for? (Looking threateningly 
at Jefferson.) 

Jefferson. Not me, lady — I'm not in de arrestin' busi- 
ness — it's him — he's yoh man. 

Madeline. I ask you! For what am I under arrest? 

Stonewall. Oh, nothin' much, lady — jes' merely mur- 
der, das all. 

Madeline. You poor shrimps — let me pass! (Brush- 
ing them aside.) Let me pass, I say! (Jefferson and 
Stonewall Juii'c recovered their bearings and rush after 



16 A DARK SECRET 

her as she starts for door. She zvheels upon them and they 
fall over each other trying to get azvay. She follows them 
to corner of stage, glaring at them as they stand wilting 
and shivering.) I've a good notion to take you two idiots 
and bump your heads together. 

Jefferson. Tain't ouh fault, lady, if yoh .break de law — 

Stonewall. No, lady — we jes' performin' a duty, das 
all. 

Jefferson (to Madeline). He is — not me — he's de law 
man. 

Stonewall (to Madeline). Don't yoh believe him. 
He's a part of de company. 

Jefferson. Since when am I part of de company? 

Stonewall. From dis minute on. 

Jefferson. I never saw such a man — yoh dissolve and 
reorganize dis company of ours jess whenever yoh all feel 
like it. 

Stonew^all (more pounding by Hensiiaw attracts Mad- 
eline'.? attention). Get ready, Doolittle. (Jefferson pre- 
pares to make arrest. Both steal up behind Madeline and 
pounce on her. They pick her up bodily and run away zvith 
her to right door, her feet kicking and she pulling their 
hair and shrieking hysterically. They rush her into room 
and hurriedly lock the door and come to front of stage.) 
What did yoh all see in de trunk, Doolittle ? 

Jefferson (between breaths as he puffs). She sure am 
•some lady to handle. 

Stonewall. I am axing yoh — what did yoh all see in de 
trunk ? 

Jefferson (hazing forgetfully seated himself on trunk 
Number Tzvo, springs to his feet and looks horrified at 
trunk). De arm and de bare leg of a woman. (Pounding 
at both doors, left and right.) 

Stonewall. Ten thousand dollars reward ! Ev'y dollar 
of it belongs to me. 

Jefferson. Where do I fit in? 

Stonewall. De arrests are made — now I don't need 
yoh, Jefferson Doolittle. 



A DARK SECRET 17 

Jefferson (starting to exit center). I hopes yoh enjoy 
yohseff wid all dat money, Mr. Johnson. 

Stonewall. Where yoh goin'? 

Jefferson. Back to mah first love — de liv'y stable. 
(Starts to exit center.) 

Enters Anthony Ketchem, zvJw icalks to the trunks 
and examines them. Jefferson tries to make Jiis escape 
after first falling back before Ketchem. 

Ketchem. Come back here! (Reaching back tozvard 
hip pocket.) Where these trunks come from — who owns 
them — why are you holdin' them — (pounding on the two 
doors) — who's pounding — how long those people been in 
there? Somebody answer me. 

Jefferson. \Vhich question will we answer? 

Ketchem. Don't get fresh. I've heard something about 
you fellows passing yourselves off as secret service men — 
impersonating an officer without the — (pounding). 

Jefferson. No, sir — not me — I no policeman — no nothin' 
— 1 ain't nobody — jes' my plain seff — he (pointing to Stone- 
wall) am de whole works around here. He's de law man — 
he carry de star — he am Stonewall Johnson — (more 
pounding). 

Ketchem.. What are these people pounding for? 

Jefferson. To get out. He arrested dem for murder. 

Ketchem. Let them out. (Stonewall, .v//&.9cr7'^>;l^ and 
Jefferson, frightened, go to the opposite doors and release 
Henshaw and Madeline. They come storming out, pro- 
testing vigorously. ) 

Madeline. An outrage — 

Henshaw. Ten thousand dollars for false imprisonment. 
(Stonewall and Jefferson tremble.) 

Ketchem. There has been some mistake here, I believe. 
Wlio arrested you? 

Madeline. These two baboons! 

Jefferson. No, lady — not me — him — 

Ketchem. For what were you arrested? 

Stonewall (zvith returning courage. ) For murder. In 
each of dem trunks dere am a body of a woman. I saw de 



18 A DARK SECRET 

top of a lady's head in dis one {points to Number One) and 
he saw de leg and arm of a woman in dat {points to 
Number Tzvo). I arrested them {displaying lii^star) and 
1 wants my reward. (Madeline and Henshaw shriek zvitli 
laughter. Recognize each other and fall into each other's 
arms. ) 

Madeline. Aubray ! 

Henshaw. Madeline ! 

Aubray and Madeline {together). What are you doing 
here? 

Ketchem ( to Henshaw and Madeline) . Open up those 
trunks and let's see what's in them. {Both look scowlingly 
at Ketchem, but open trunks simultaneously, each bringing 
forth the circumstantial evidence — Henshaw his character 
wig and Madeline an artificial limb. Stonewall faints and 
Jefferson looks to make his escape.) 

Madeline. I'm a sales lady — selling artificial limbs — in 
other words, a drummer. 

Henshaw. And I'm at the Opera House tonight, 
playing. 

Ketchem {turning to Stonewall.) And I'm a Pinker- 
ton man, and you're under arrest for impersonating an 
officer. 

Jefferson {close to center exit.) And I'm goin' back to 
de liv'y stable. De firm am dissolved. 

Curtain. 



New Blackface Series 

For Minstrels and Vaudeville 
Price, 25 Cents Each, Postpaid 
THE AFRICAN GOLF CLUB.— Blackface farce, by Jeff Branen; 
10 males, 1 female. Time, 25 minutes. The rattle of the cubes, 
the burning of a neighboring chicken coop and the tragic loss of 
the contraband "likker" combine to shatter the nerves of the dom- 
ino gallopers. But they do gallant rescue work. An ideal afterpiece. 
ALMOST AN ACTOR.— Coontown crossfire, by Wade Stratton; 

2 males. Time, 20 minutes. A seedy manager tries to initiate a 
station porter into the thespian art, but they find there is little 
inspiration when hunger gnaws. This skit crackles with fresh gags 
and comedy business. Both parts are rich. 

THE BATTLE OF ROARING-BULL.— A black and copper-colored 
massacre, by Jeff Branen; 11 or more males. Time, 30 minutes 
Two wandering darkies fall into the clutches of a terrible red- 
skin tribe, with hair-raising results. Can be effectively elaborated 
with war-dance, etc., introducing entire minstrel troupe as an 
afterpiece. 

THE BLACK VAMP.— By Arthur Leroy Kaser; 2 males, 2 fe- 
males. Time, 15 minutes. Sam thought his wife didn't appreciate 
him, so he got his good friend Phil to impersonate a dusky vam- 
pire, to liven things up. He livened things up, all right. Chance 
for song and dance specialties. The female parts can be "doubled." 

CASH MONEY.— A minstrel spree for three, by Wade Stratton; 

3 males. Time, 20 minutes. Two travelers are forced to share a 
room in a fust-class cullud boa'din' house, with almost fatal re- 
sults. The handsome waiter is a factor in the mixup. Fine chance 
for comedian who plays banjo, ukulele or guitar. 

THE COON AT THE DOOR.— A black-and-white skit, bv .Teff 
Branen; 3 males. Time, 20 minutes. The doctor's office boy fears 
the man at the door is his hated rival, and his efforts to evade a 
meeting are side-splitting. The white doctor blackens up and 
doubles as the mysterious coon. Specialties are to be introduced. 

A DARK SECRET.— Colored farce of mysterv, by Jeff Branen; 

4 males, 1 female. Time, 30 minutes. This screaming story of 
the adventure of a negro detective and his dusky assistant has 
made thousands roar when presented on the professional stage, 
and is now available in print for the first time. 

FU'ST AID TO CUPID.— Minstrel absurdity, by Wade Stratton; 
3 males, 2 females. Time, 20 minutes. Willie, a wandering wag;a- 
bond without wim, wigor, witality or wittles, who poses as a "mis- 
ery specialist" to aid the course of true love, will bring down the 
house. A welcome modern adaptation of the sham doctor theme. 

HITTING THE AFRICAN HARP.— Blackface skit for a banjo 
duo, by Wade Stratton; 2 males. Time, 15 minutes, or according 
to specialties. Written as a vehicle for a banjo playing team to 
introduce specialties, and rich in comedy lines and business. Very 
popular with college banjo clubs, etc., as a novelty stunt. 

KISS ME, CAMILLE!— Blackface novelty, by Wade Stratton; 
2 males, 1 female. Time, 20 minutes. Horatio, the dramatic 
teacher, finds Lucinda a promising pupil, and they rehearse love 
scenes with enthusiasm. But Luke McFluke, his other pupil, 
doesn't take kindly to the course of training, and the instructor is 
sadly out of luck. The blackface travesty on "Camille" is a scream. 

THE MYSTERIOUS SUITCASE.— By Arthur Leroy Kaser; 2 
males. Time, 15 minutes. Sam has to carry Harry's grip, and 
both negroes have a laughable time trying to keep the mystery 
from leaking out. The fact that they stop to rest near a cemetery 
also gives Sam cause for serious thinking. 

T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, 623 S.Wabash Ave., Chicago 



DENISON'S 

MINSTREL OPENING CHORUSES 
AND FINALES 

By JEFF BRANEN 

Something new. A boon, especially to amateurs. 
Assure the success of your minstrel performance. 

Get your audience in a friendly mood, tingling with the warm 
glow of pleasure, from the opening curtain. Get away to a flying 
.start and make a whirlwind finish, and your show will be pro- 
nounced a success, even though there may be some rough spots 
in between. Provide a reli.sh at the beginning, make your inter- 
vening acts as good as your individual talent will permit and then 
leave your audience with a good taste in their mouths. Denison's 
Minstrel Opening Choruses and Finales are for the purpose of 
creating good first and last impressions. As such they are made 
to order and are as good as professionals ever used. 

No more will you have to follow the practice of relying for this 
all important work upon a novice who probably will throw together 
some stale choruses and call it an opening and perhaps may ask 
>ou to close with a .simple song whicJi means nothing. Each 
Opening Chorus and Finale tells an original and interesting story 
and will instantly thaw tlie chilliest audience. Laughable, ar- 
tistic and in c-xcelUnt taste. The finale of each chorus is a witty 
"thank you." 

NOW READY 

Number One For Blackface Minstrels 

Number Two For Whiteface Minstrels 

Number Three For Female Minstrels 

Number Four For Legion Minstrels 

Piano Score, Words and Music. 

Price, Each Number, Postpaid, 75 Cents. 

Supplementing llie vocal score, a special orchestration is fur- 
nished for each Denison's Minstrel Opening Chorus and Finale. 
It provides for eleven instruments including effective saxophone 
obbligatos, the latter being the final word in arrangements of 
this kind. The cost of the orchestration is extra,"" but is'tViviar i^ 
compared with the expense of employing a local or special arranger. 

Eleven-Instruvtcnt Orchestration (No sets broken). 

Price, Each Number, Postpaid, $1.50 



T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 

623 South Wabash Avenue, CHICAGO 



DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS 

Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free 



FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc 
Price 25 Cents Each 

M. F. 

All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 
Aunt Harriet's Night Out, 35 

min 1 2 

Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 

35 min 11 

Billy's Chorus Girl, 30 min... 2 3 

Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 

Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 
Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 

Class Ship, 35 min 3 8 

Divided Attentions, 35 min... 1 4 
Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 

Getting Rid of Father, 20 min. 3 1 

Goose Creek Line, 1 hr 3 10 

Great Pumpkin Case, 35 min.. 12 

Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 

Honest Peggy, 25 min 8 

Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 

Just Like a Woman, 35 min... 3 3 

Last Rehearsal, 25 min 2 3 

Men Not Wanted, 30 min.... 8 

Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 

Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 
Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 

Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 

Paper Wedding, 30 min........ 1 5 

Pat's Matrimonial \'enture, 25 

min 1 2 

Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 

Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 

Sewing for the Heathen, 40 

min 9 

Shadows, 35 min 3 4 

Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 

Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 
Teacher Kin I Go Home, 35 

min 7 3 

Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 

min 3 6 

Two Ghosts in White, 20 min.. 8 

Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 

Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min.. 3 2 
Wanted: a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 
Watch, a Wallet, and a Jack of 

Spades, 40 min 3 6 

Whole Truth. 40^ min 5 4 

Who's the Boss? 30 min 3 6 

Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 

Wrong Baby, 25 m.in 8 

FARCES. COMEDIETAS, Etc. 
Price 15 Cents Each 

April Fools, 30 min 3 

Assessor, The, IS min 3 2 

Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 
Before the Play Begins, 15 

min 2 1 

Billy's Mishaps, 20^ min 2 3 

Country Justice, 15 min 8 

Cow that "Kicked Chicago, 25 m. 3 2 

Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 

First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 

F®r Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 
Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. 5 



M. F. 
Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 
Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 

Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 

Lottie Sees It Through, 35 min. 3 4 

Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 

Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 

Please Pass the Cream, 20 min, 1 1 

Second Childhood, 15 min 2 2 

Smith's Unlucky Day, 20 min.. 1 1 

That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 

Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 
Two Gentlemen in a Fix, 15 m. 2 

Wanted: A Hero, 20 min 1 1 

VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES 
Price 25 Cents Each 

Amateur, 15 min 1 1 

At Harmony Junction, 20 min. 4 
Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 

Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 

Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 
Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 

Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 

Hey, Rube! 15 min 1 

It Might Happen, 20 min 1 1 

Little Miss Enemy, 15 min.... 1 1 
Little Red School House. 20 m. 4 
Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 
One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 

Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 

Pete Yansen's Curl's Moder, 10m. 1 
Quick Lunch Cabaret, 20 min.. 4 

Si and I, 15 min 1 

Special Sale, 15 min 2 

Street Faker, 15 min. 3 

Such Ignorance, 15 min 2 

Sunny Son of Italy, 15 rain.. 1 

Time Table, 20 min 1 1 

Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 
Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 
Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 

Umbrella Mender, 15 min 2 

Vait a Minute 2 

BLACK-FACE PLAYS 
Price 25 Cents Each 

Axin' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 

Booster Club of Blackville, 25 

min 10 

Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 
Coon Creek Courtship, 15 m... 1 1 
Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.l4 
Darktown Fire Brigade, 25m.. 10 ■ 
Good Mornin' Judge, 35 min.. 9 2 

Hungry, 15 min 2 

Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 

Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 1 

Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 

Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 
What Happened to Hannah, 15 

min 1 1 

A great number of 

Standard and Amateur Plays 

not found here are listed In 

Denlson's Catalogue 



T, S. DEN I SON & CO MPANY, Publishe rs, 623 S.Wa bash Ave., Chicago 



1—921 



POPULAR ENTERTAINW 

Pric«, lllustrat«cl Paper Covers, 3S cents eaeh 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

1l"ll!!lf!Tlll!lfl!iri[i 

016 102 446 6 




IN this Series 
are found 
books touching 
every feature 
in the enter- 
tainment field. 
Finely made, 
good .paper, 
clear print and 
each book has 
an attractive 
individual cov- 
er design. 
A Partial List 

DIALOGUES 

All Sorts of Dialogues. 

Selected, fine for older pupils. 
Catchy Comic Dialogues. 

"Very clever; for young people. 
Children's Comic Dialogues. 

From six to eleven years of age. 
Country School Dialogues. 

Brand new, original. 
Dialogues for District Schools. 

For country schools. 
Dialogues from Dlc'.;ens. 

Thirteen selections, 
Friday Afternoon Dialogues. 

Over 60,000 copies sold. 
From Tots to Teens. 

Dialogues and recitations. 
Humorous Homespun Dialogues. 

For older ones. 
Little People's Plays. 

From 7 to 13 years of age. 
Lively Dialogues. 

For all ages; mostly humorous. 
Merry Little Dialogues. 

Thirty-eight original selections. 
When the Lessons are Over. 

Dialogues, drills, plays. 
Wide Awake Dialogues. 

Original successful. 

SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES 

Choice Pieces for Little People. 

A child's speaker. 
The Comic Entertainer. 

Recitations, monologues, dialogues. 
Dialect Readings. 

Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. 
The Favorite Speaker. 

Choice prose and poetry. 
The Friday Afternoon Speaker. 

For pupils of all ages. 
Humorous Monologues. 

Particularly for ladies. 
Monologues for Young Folks. 

Clever, humorous, original. 



Monologues Qrave and Gay. 

Dramatic and humorous. 
Scrap- Book Recitations. ^ 

Choice collections, pathelTc, hu- 
morous, descriptive, prose, 
poetry. 1.". Xos., per Xo. 35c 

DRILLS 

The Best Drill Book. 

Very popular drills and marches. 
The. Favorite Book of Drills. 

Drills that sparkle with originalitv 
Little Plays With Drills. 

For children from 6 to 11 years. 
The Surprise Drill Book. 

Fresh, novel, drills and marches. 

SPECIALTIES 

The Boys' Entertainer. 

Monologues, dialogues, drills. 
Children's Party Book. 

Invitations, decorations, games. 
The Christmas Entertainer. 

Novel and diversified. 
The Days We Celebrate. 

Entertainments for all the holidays. 
Good Things for Christmas. 

Recitations, dialogues, drills. 
Good Things for Sunday Schools. 

Dialogues, exer-cises, recitations. 
Good Things for Thanksgiving. 

A gem of a book. 
Good Things for Washington 

and Lincoln Birthdays. 
Little Folks' Budget. 

Easy pieces to speak, songs. 
One Hundred Entertainments. 

New parlor diversion^ socials. 
Patriotic Celebrations. 

Great variety of material. 
Pictured Readings and Tableaux. 

Entirely original features. 
Pranks and Pastimes. 

Parlor games for children. 
Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, 

Charades, and how to prepare. 
Tableaux and Scenic Readings. 

New and novel: for all ages. 
Twinkling Fingers and Sway- 
ing Figures. For little tots. 
Yuletlde Entertainments. 

A choice Christmas collection. 

MINSTRELS, JOKES 

The Black-Face Joker. 

Minstrels' and end men's gags. 
A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. 

Monologues, stump speeches, etc. 
Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. 

A merry trip for fun tourists. 
Negro Minstrels. 

All about the business. 
The New Jolly Jester. 

Funny stories, jokes, gags, ct^ 

Larse Illustrated Catalogue Free 



T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Pubnshers.623S.WabashAv8,.Chic3K0 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 



I I 



016 102 446 6 



